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Tag: APC

  • Ekiti poll: Don’t mistake rigging, gross misconduct for acceptance, PDP tells Buhari, APC

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose candidate, Prof. Olusola Kolapo, was defeated by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has warned President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, not to rejoice over the victory of its candidate in the governorship election held in Ekiti State on Saturday yet.

    The PDP said the APC and the Presidency should not mistake the alleged rigging in the election as acceptance by Nigerians.

    The party declared that it was shameful for President Muhammadu Buhari, who it said claimed to be an anti-corruption champion, to glee over what it described as act of electoral corruption that it warned was capable of truncating the nation’s democratic process.

    The PDP said it found it strange that the President could not condemn the alleged emasculation and subversion of the will of Ekiti people and the alleged stealing of another party’s victory by what it called brute force.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, also said that the PDP noted the alleged unsavoury statements by the Presidency, celebrating the alleged subjugation of Ekiti people as a stamp for President Buhari.

    He said, “If, for President Buhari and the APC, the subjugation of the people, as witnessed in Ekiti, amounts to an election, then the nation is headed to a serious crisis, as such will be resisted with all legitimate forces available within our laws in the defence of our nation’s democracy.

    “The APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission must note that what happened in Ekiti, as a single state, cannot be pulled through in a general election, especially where the people have made up their minds to seek a new president.

    “Nigeria is too big and too complex to be subjugated by a single individual or group of individuals, as any attempt to do so will definitely consume the conspirators.

    “Moreover, while we are still pursuing the recovery of our stolen mandate in Ekiti, we state in very strong terms that this will be the last time the PDP will, under any circumstance whatsoever, allow itself to be manipulated out at the polls at any level.”

    He urged members and supporters of the PDP to continue to remain calm over the alleged daylight robbery that he said happened in Ekiti State, despite the alleged provocations by the APC and the Presidency.

    He said that leaders of the party were already making efforts to redress the injustice that he said was meted out to the party in Ekiti State.

     

  • Fayemi’s victory, a demonstration of Ekiti people’s faith in APC – Ajimobi

    Fayemi’s victory, a demonstration of Ekiti people’s faith in APC – Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has described the victory of Dr. Kayode Fayemi in the just-concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti State as a demonstration of the people’s trust in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party that has the capacity to liberate the state from mis-governance and gross under-development.

    The governor stated this in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji in Ibadan, on Sunday.

    He said that the outcome of the election which he described as free, fair and credible, was a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state and a further demonstration of their faith that Fayemi’s second coming as governor would bring the socio-economic development which the state had been yearning for.

    While congratulating the governor-elect for engaging in intellectual and issue-based electioneering in all parts of the state, Ajimobi described his victory at the polls as well-deserved.

    He said: “Please accept my hearty felicitations, my brother, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on your outstanding performance at the just-concluded gubernatorial election which you won fair and square.

    “It was indeed a well-deserved victory and a reflection of the trust and confidence which the people of Ekiti State have in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party which has the capacity to liberate the state from the shackles of mis-governance and gross under-development.

    “I am equally happy that the issue-based electioneering which you took to all the nooks and crannies of Ekiti State, coupled with the active support of the party hierarchy at the national level and in all the APC-controlled states, eventually paid off with your victory at the polls.

    “I have no doubt that with your intellectual disposition, sagacity in public administration and as a tested hand, you will use your wealth of experience to turn things around for Ekiti and take the state to greater heights.’’

    The governor also congratulated the people of the state for making the right choice by voting Fayemi and APC, and, by extension, returning the state to the mainstream, assuring them that the governor-elect and the party would not disappoint them.

    Governor Ajimobi equally commended the electoral umpire for conducting a free, fair and hitch- free election which has shown their level of preparedness and readiness for the governorship election and the 2019 elections.

  • BREAKING: ‘Ortom dumps APC, explains why…’

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state says he has ceased to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what he called “a red card” given to him.

    Ortom made this known on Monday in Makurdi shortly after swearing in a new Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Jerome Shimbe who replaced Mr Titus Zam, sacked on July 8.

    According to him, the red card from APC would enable him to join any political party that has an ideology worthy of being adopted by his administration. The governor stated that the strained relationship between him and the party under which he contested the 2015 governorship election in the state has left him without a party.

    The governor partially dissolved his cabinet last week, retaining four out of the 16 commissioners and seven out of 19 Special Advisers.

    Although, he gave no reason for the sacking of the members of the expanded cabinet members, it was reliably gathered that the sudden cabinet reshuffle might not be unconnected with the friction between him and the APC leader in the state, Sen. George Akume. Ortom also said that the appointment of Shimbe was based on his impeccable character and proven track record of service.

    He advised the new adviser to strive to justify the confidence reposed in him and open his doors to all indigenes seeking for assistance from him regardless of their political affiliation.

    Responding, Shimbe thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment while pledging to ensure that the governor succeeds in all his endeavours.

  • Ekiti victory, a verdict on Buhari’s performance – FG

    Ekiti victory, a verdict on Buhari’s performance – FG

    The Federal Government says the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Ekiti governorship election is a verdict on the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who disclosed this at a media briefing on Sunday in Lagos, said the election was “a referendum and Nigerians have given their verdict’’.

    “With the victory of the APC in the election, Nigeria people have spoken, and they have spoken loudly, about their perception of the APC-led Buhari administration.

    “The election was more than one state’s gubernatorial poll.

    “It was a referendum on the performance of the Buhari administration. And Nigerians have given their verdict.

    “Its not just a defeat for the PDP, its a defeat for all the naysayers who have made themselves the spokespersons for Nigerians,’’ he said.

    The minister added that the APC’s victory at the governorship poll “is a death knell for fake news’’.

    He explained that anyone who monitored the social media before and during the election would think it would be a landslide for the PDP, but the reality was different.

    “We want to most sincerely thank the people of Ekiti state for ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible.

    “This was attested to by local and international observers.

    “We also thank the Ekiti people for turning out en masse to exercise their franchise,’’ he said.

    Mohammed recalled that in 2014, the votes of the people of Ekiti did not count because the then PDP-led Federal Government used federal might to hijack the election and concoct the result.

    He said that the then ruling party barred two serving opposition governors from travelling to Ekiti to support their fellow governor.

    “They wilfully shut the Akure airport and we, leaders of the opposition APC then, were forced to return to Lagos by road in the night.

    “With the roles reversed in 2018, we did not pay the PDP back in its own coin, because of our strong belief in the rule of law. The rest is history,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Dr Kayode Fayemi, the APC candidate as the winner of the Ekiti governorship election.

    INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Idowu Olayinka who announced the results said the APC candidate won with 197,459 votes as against Prof. Kolapo Olusola of PDP with 178,121 votes.

     

  • Ekiti governorship poll: Saraki, Ambode react

    Ekiti governorship poll: Saraki, Ambode react

    Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi for his victory in the polls.

    TheNewsGuru reports Fayemi emerged victorious in the governorship election held on Saturday in the state.

    Ambode urged Fayemi to use his second coming to build on its previous achievements while he was the governor of the state.

    He also advised Fayemi to forge ahead with the quest to unite the Yoruba nation, especially, through regional integration and economic transformation of the Southwest geo-political zone.

    He also urged him to justify the confidence the Ekiti electorate had reposed in him by voting for him during the governorship election.

    Ambode alaso commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership and members of APC and its supporters for the hard-fought victory.

    According to him, it is a testament to the fact that the electoral value of the party has not waned.

    Fayemi, who was the governor of the state between 2010 and 2014, was declared winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

    He defeated his closest rival, Prof. Olusola Eleka, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 197,459 to 178,121 votes.

    Fayemi won in no fewer than 12 of the 16 councils, including the council of incumbent Gov.Ayodele Fayose.

    Ambode specially congratulated Fayemi for his hard fought victory and wished him well as he prepares to take the mantle of leadership of the state for a second time.

    Ambode also congratulated the Ekiti electorate for comporting themselves peacefully throughout the period of the election.

    He, however, urged those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resorting to self-help.

    “Congratulations to Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Governor-elect of Ekiti State on your victory in yesterday’s gubernatorial election. May the Almighty guide you as you prepare to assume Office, and may your tenure bring more development to the State and improve the lives of its people,” Saraki stated in his congratulatory message.

     

  • Ekiti stakeholders in Abuja fault governorship poll result

    Ekiti stakeholders in Abuja fault governorship poll result

    Some Ekiti people in Abuja on Sunday faulted the outcome of Saturday’s Saturday’s governorship election in the state, saying it was against the popular wish of the people.

    They told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the result as announced was not the true reflection of the will of Ekiti people.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, declared Dr Kayode Fayemi, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, winner of the governorship poll.

    He defeated current Deputy Governor of the state and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Kolapo Olusola, and 30 others in a keenly contested election.

    The APC candidate won in 12 out of the 16 local government areas in the state, polling 197,459 votes to edge out Olusola who got 178,121 votes.

    In his reaction, Mr Bayo Adeyemi, a private sector worker, said that the election was not free and fair.

    He said that information he received from relatives back in Ekiti revealed that the principle of democracy was not followed in the election.

    “Fayemi’s victory is a lie and it will cause trouble. I am not a PDP person, but I heard they chased agents away and I heard that someone even suffered acid bath.

    “This is not democracy; it does not mean well for our people and for our nation as a whole. God save Nigeria in 2019,” he said.

    Miss Ayobami Olusegun said that from discussions among her people and in her neighbourhood in Ekiti, the governor-elect was not popular among the ordinary people in the state.

    “My parents back home and most of the neighbours did not vote Fayemi; they must have rigged the election.

    “Even when you interact with people in Ekiti, you will see that they do not want Fayemi and the discussion among the people reflects it; we are surprised that Fayemi won,” she said.

    Mr Peter Ogulana, a businessman, said “people do not hide their dislike for the governor-elect.

    “What happened is unfair; I know Ekiti people do not like him; this is maximum rigging.

    “If it was in the north or east, there would be fighting by now but the westerners do not easily get into violence,” he said.

    Another indigene, Mrs Fisayo Ogulana, said “Ekiti is in trouble again; let all the teachers be ready for their death.

    “This is death sentence passed on the workers and people of Ekiti.

    “Giving the hard time the state suffered with Fayemi as governor before and they voted him out, our people will not have voted him into office again; something is wrong.

    “I am confident that the result will be contested in court and upturned in favour of the true will of the people,” she said.

     

  • Ekiti: APC congratulates Fayemi, says party best placed to develop Nigeria

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, assured the people of Ekiti and Nigerians that it is best placed to move the country forward and resolve all seemingly intractable problems.

    The party gave the assurance in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abudullahi, in Abuja, while congratulating Dr Kayode Fayemi, its candidate in the just-concluded governorship election in Ekiti.

    Fayemi won the election after securing 197,459 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Prof. Kalapo Olusola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 178, 121 votes.

    Result of the poll, which held on Saturday, was announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

    “We assure the people of Ekiti, and indeed Nigerians, that our party is best placed to move the country forward and resolve the seemingly intractable problems that have held us back,” the statement said.

    It commended INEC and security agencies for allowing the people’s will to prevail at the election which was contested by no fewer than 30 political parties.

    The party thanked the Ekiti electorate for voting en masse for its candidate, saying that their action demonstrated their trust and confidence in Fayemi’s ability to deliver on his campaign promises.

    It said that their action also demonstrated the rejection of the crude and pedestrian politics of the PDP.

    It lauded local and international observers as well as other stakeholders for their role during the election.

    The statement noted that Fayemi ran an effective and positive campaign focused on his agenda of rebuilding the state’s economy and returning its lost values of integrity, prudence and decency.

    Fayemi, is former governor of the state and immediate past Minister of Steel and Solid Minerals Development.

    He was governor from 2010 to 2014.

    His re-election bid was truncated by a defeat by PDP’s Ayodele Fayose, the incumbent governor, who would hand over to him on Oct. 16, same day power exchanged hands between them four years ago.

     

  • YIAGA, APC, others react to outcome of Ekiti poll

    YIAGA, APC, others react to outcome of Ekiti poll

    Some stakeholders in Ekiti state on Sunday, expressed divergent opinions on the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in the state which produced Dr Kayode Fayemi as winner.

    Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election after securing 197,459 votes, beating his closest opponent, Prof. Kolapo Olusola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 178,121 votes.

    Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Africa (YIAGA) said in a news conference in Ado-Ekiti that accreditation, voting and ballot collation complied with extant regulations, but pointed at some anomalies in the exercise.

    Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Samson Itodo, raised concerns about “secrecy of the ballot box”, vote-buying and bribery in the election.

    Itodo, however, commended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the timely commencement of polling and prompt announcement of results.

    He also urged Fayemi and APC supporters to be magnanimous in victory

    “For those candidates who did not win, we urge them to accept the results because they reflect the votes cast.

    “YIAGA Africa calls on all the candidates, all parties and all Nigerians to show political maturity and to maintain the peace,’’ he said.

    On its part, the APC leadership in Ekiti described the party’s victory as “well-won and much deserved.’’

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti, Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Jide Awe, thanked the electorate for the massive turnout and “voting conscientiously for the party.’’

    The chairman also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and other party leaders for their support in winning the governorship election.

    He, however, called for calm and appealed to the opposition parties and their candidates to accept defeat in good faith.

    “The APC thanks the Ekiti electorate for voting for the party in the keenly-contested election.

    “The Ekiti electorate have voted for the candidate of their choice who they consider as having a proven track record of performance and integrity, and who will bring about the kind of turn-around the state needs at this crucial period,’’ he said.

    Awe assured that the governor-elect would be magnanimous in victory and deliver on the expectations of the people.

    Mrs Bolanle Olatunde, a former Special Assistant on Diaspora to former former governor of the state, Chief Segun Oni, congratulated the governor-elect and urged him to put the welfare of the people at the heart of his programmes.

    She also said Nigerians must learn lessons from the outcome of the elections, especially on the need for “ anyone saddled with the position of authority to do the right thing at the right time.’’

    “Even though, there might be claims of inducement here and there, some things I have learnt especially in Ekiti is that as incumbent, you should do the right thing in terms of discharging your duties.

    “While people still talk about stomach infrastructure and all that, this can only be sustained if your performance as governor is good and you don’t waste public funds on irrelevant projects.

    “Most importantly, be humble, because when you are humble, you will be promoted.

    “In these areas, rural people see and appreciate their governor interacting with the common man, but at the same time these people still go to the same market your wife goes to.

    “You should set up SMEs, community development initiatives and sustainable development projects that will bring true governance to the people,’’ she said.

    The police in the state also said the election was successfully concluded without reports of violence.

    The spokesman of the police in the state, Ikechukwu Caleb, told NAN that the election was peaceful and orderly, adding that no arrest was made during the exercise.

    NAN reports that the police had deployed 30,000 operatives, two helicopters and 250 patrol vehicles, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, for the election.

    The security operation for the poll was supervised by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, Joshiak Habila, assisted by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, four Commissioners of Police, eight Deputy Commissioners of Police and 18 Assistant Commissioners of Police.

    Mr Maxwell Adeleye, a PDP youth leader in Ilogbo-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti, however, described the conduct of the election as “ a show of shame and mockery of all tenets of democracy.’’

    He advised the PDP candidate in the election to brace up for the challenges ahead, saying “ the victory of the APC was without jubilation on the streets.’’

    Adeleye , however, congratulated the governor-elect on his victory and wished him well in the governance of the state.

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Fayemi’s victory, call to higher service, says APC UK

    Ekiti 2018: Fayemi’s victory, call to higher service, says APC UK

    The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the victory of Dr Kayode Fayemi in the just-concluded Ekiti state governorship election as “a call to higher service”.

    The chapter stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, following the announcement of the outcome of the election by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fayemi was APC’s candidate in the governorship contest held on Saturday.

    The statement was jointly signed by Mr Ade Omole the chapter’s leader and Mr Jocab Ogunseye, its spokesman.

    The party described Ekiti people as the “wisest for electing a thorough-bred and respected individual” like Fayemi as their governor, adding that they would not be disappointed by the governor-elect.

    “We are confident that Fayemi will not disappoint the teeming followers and the general public of the state who have reposed their trust in his ability and experience to provide good governance for the state.

    “Fayemi has done it before; he has also worked in the higher level,” it said.

    It said that while he served as Minister of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Fayemi ensured that the moribund Ajaokuta Steal Company was revitalised.

    It added that with Fayemi as governor, the people of Ekiti state should anticipate a new era different from the days of “stomach infrastructure”.

    The APC chapter stated that the people of Ekiti would now have an era devoid of hooliganism and deceit in governance that had eroded the value of true governance and era that would not celebrate mediocrity.

    “There is no doubt, expectations are great, the ceiling has been raised, the altitude is higher, and the people of Ekiti cannot afford to live in darkness as they have done in the past four years,” it said.

    It, however, advised the governor-elect to provide an all-inclusive government irrespective of party affiliation “now that the election had been concluded”.

    The chapter acknowledged that everyone had played a role in entrenching democracy in the state especially, and must therefore, be valued and respected.

    In the result of the election as announced by INEC, Fayemi got 197, 459 votes to defeat his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent and closest, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, who scored 178,121 votes.

     

  • Ekiti poll: Observer group commends INEC

    Ekiti poll: Observer group commends INEC

    An official of the Alliance for Credible Elections, Dr Omilusi Mike, ‎on Sunday commended the massive turnout of voters for Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti and the transparency of the electoral process.

    Omilusi gave the commendation in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti.

    ”I want to sincerely commend the turnout of the people from across the nooks and crannies of Ekiti to vote for their chosen candidate.

    ”The determination displayed by the people on Saturday was unprecedented and unbelievable.

    ”I saw the number of people coming out from their villages and homes, contrary to the rumour of riot and crisis being spread across the state a few days to the election.

    ”It is obvious that the wishes of the people have prevailed especially at a critical period in Ekiti,” he said.

    Former Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Kayode Fayemi, was declared winner of the election after securing 197,459 votes.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and current Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, scored 178,121 votes.

    Other results declared by the Chief Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, include Accord, 250; Action Alliance, 41; ACD, 1149; AD, 216; ADB, 1082; ADA, 107; AGAO, 31; ANRP, 125; APA, 1199; and APDA, 464.

    Also declared were APGA, 70; ANPP, 14; DA, 14; DPC, 147; DPP,181; FJP, 42; GPN, 20; I.D, 31;, KOWA, 23; LP, 280; MMN, 35; MPN, 23; NDLP, 44; NPC, 353 PANDEL, 74; and PGC, 1242.

    The rest are DPA, 632; PPN, 107; SDO, 367; UDP, 29; UPN, 33; YDP, 31 and YPP, 49.

    The total valid votes in the election was 384,594 while total votes cast was 403,451, with 18,857 votes invalidated.

    The election held in 2,195 polling units spread across 177 wards in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti while 35 candidates contested.